Rx Utilization Management Changes Effective October 1, 2013

As a reminder regarding what we informed you in January, ALL members will be required to use Bayer and LifeScan glucose test strips as of October 1, 2013. This new requirement went into effect in April for new test-strip users, but will soon to all users. The detailed criteria for the glucose test-strip program can be found at www.bcbsnc.com/umdrug.

Impacted members were initially notified in April, second notices were sent in June, and a final reminder will be sent in August to members who have not yet changed to one of these brands. In order to ensure timely processing of test-strip prescriptions at the pharmacy, please indicate either Bayer or LifeScan as one of the preferred test strips when writing prescriptions for your Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina patients.

This pharmacy utilization management change will apply to all commercial members who have their pharmacy benefits with us. These changes will not apply to State Health Plan, Federal Employee Program, Medicare Part D members, or for any ASO employer groups that carve out their pharmacy benefits to another pharmacy benefits manager.

If you have any questions, please call the Provider Blue LineSM at 1.800.214.4844.